Saona — Restaurant in Madrid

Update 5/27: We came here with reservation at 8:30 PM, it only had one table was having dinner at the time. We were waiting in the table until 8:50 PM when there has one group of people came in, so I walked to the staff to ask if we can order, cause I saw they were ordering drinks for the group which just came in. And we finished our meals around 9:35 PM, when the restaurant is around 70 % full. No one came to us until 10:00 PM, we called a staff was serving other tables around to give us the bill. Then we were waiting until 10:15 PM, no one came to our table, so we just walked to the reception, the staff saw us, finally print the bill in the moment. I think that the owner should really hire more staff to serve this place, cause it is quite big and also do more training with the workers. It is unacceptable to let customers to wait like this. And they didn't even say sorry for waiting or anything. The place is quite huge with beautiful designed. We went in around 13:05, there didn't have anyone yet. And some more people came around 13:15, the staff told them that they are already full booking online. If you would like to eat here, it is better you reserve the table in advance. The staff was friendly, but I think that the service was a bit rushed. Cause when we were eating the first dishes, we still had 1 or 2 spoons, they came to ask if we already finished and took the dishes away when we still have food on our hands. Just a little detail they can improve it. We had lunch menu, it is around 15-20 euro per person with drinks and supplements for some dishes. We had Tortitas de tataki de atún, Pulpo sobre alioli de patata, Falso risotto, Rigatoni con longaniza de Requena, setas, salsa de parmesano y trufa, Tarta cremosa de lima and Milhojas de mango con fresas. All the dishes were delicious, I wouldn't say they were the best, but it is much better when you pay the similar price in some old traditional bar. For me, the atmosphere and the quality of the dishes are really great for the price. It is a great place to eat with friends or family, they offer the menu everyday for different prices and different dishes. All the menu is not included the drinks, it includes first dish, main dish...

I don't understand why some people work in a place if they are not happy with what they're doing.

The waiter was as if he had a fight with us from the beginning. Talking aggressively, behaving with anger. in the end when I wanted to pay, I was collecting my cash and calculating how much I wanted to tip, because I usually tip.

He started bringing up the receipt showing it to me and telling me it costs 44,7 euros in an aggressive way, like why are you taking long or can't you read?

Of course I told him that I can read well and there is no need for him to tell me the price. I was collecting my money to tip. I told him his behaviour is aggressive, and instead of cooling down, he said oh in what terms? ...

I feel sorry for any money I spent at Saona because such businesses...

They have two types of waiters: those who are energetic, willing, and eager to offer their best service, and those who seem overwhelmed and unhelpful, often deferring tasks to their colleagues. I don't understand why a person at the bar can't simply hand you a menu that's right in front of them if you're already seated, just because "it's not their task." At Saona, everyone should be involved in selling, from the waiter and the drinks guy to the chef.

Unfortunately, the service at this location is disappointing. In 2024, customer service is more important than having a good-looking restaurant.

I hope this review helps you improve...